TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Wildfire season is here, a red flag warning is in effect in Kansas and the State Fire Marshal Office urges everyone to stay alert.

“We had a fire out in western Kansas where there had been a burn pit that was used two weeks previously,” said Lance Feyh, Public Information Manager for the State Fire Marshal Office. “That heat still festers underneath and smolders and the right amount of wind just came along and started that up again and it created a grass fire. Deputies indicated that they pulled up, saw the brush on fire and poof it was gone it went that fast it was so dry.”

Dry conditions create many potential fire starters.

“Sometimes you realize people discarding cigarettes or something outside might start a fire, but our own vehicles can start fires. Warm brakes on a car, having metal on metal, metal pieces can fly off and if that’s just hot enough and lands in the grass it can ignite a fire,” Feyh said.

People within cities aren’t excluded from the risk.

“In the city of Topeka, you can still have the same problem. We have a lot of neighborhoods where homes are close together and if there’s a fire in the yard that can spread to multiple houses and it can go further down the block,” Feyh said.

Feyh stresses not burning any fires at this time.

“If you do a burn when we’re in a red flag warning then you’re very liable for that. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina just had some fires where a lady-- a fire started in her backyard,” Feyh said. “It spread causing wildfires in Myrtle Beach and she is criminally responsible, potentially legally liable, and financially as well to some of the recoveries that might come out of that.”

In the case of a fire, it is best to get out and stay out.

“Have a plan to get out of the residence, your family, your children. I know we all have pets, we love pets, but if you’re out of the building, don’t go back in looking for your pet because every second that fire burns it grows bigger and what you may have just escaped, if you go back into it, it’s grown double in size and now you’re overcome in smoke and you might just collapse on the ground.”

In communities with volunteer-based fire departments, Feyh says to be aware of the response time and allow trained responders to put the fire out.

Taking steps to clear your property of fire starters, creating an evacuation plan, and staying informed on all warnings can help to ensure your safety this season.

The Fire Marshal Office and Red Cross provide additional tips for staying safe this season.